Toros Men Lose at Chico State, 72-64
February 6, 2004

Courtesy Chico State Sports Information Office

Complete Box Score

CHICO, CA - Tim Haley scored a season-high 18 points and grabbed a season-high six rebounds to lead the Chico State men's basketball team to a 72-64 victory over visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday night at Acker Gym. Haley also grabbed five steals and buried 4-of-8 3-pointers as the Wildcats won their eighth straight game and 13th of their last 14 at home.

Chico State, ranked No. 8 in the Far West Region entering the weekend, improved to 12-6 overall and 9-4 in the CCAA with the victory. Cal State Dominguez Hills, which got 21 rebounds and 10 points from Eric Crookshank, dipped to 6-12 overall and 4-9 in the CCAA. The Toros have lost nine of their last 10 games.

The game was tight throughout with the lead changing hands 14 times. Nevertheless, Dominguez Hills took the lead with a 6-0 run to start the second half and held on to it until Travis McCollum's free throw gave Chico State a 50-49 advantage with 9:10 to play.

The game seesawed back and forth until Haley gave the 'Cats the lead for good, 57-55, with 4:34 remaining. A dunk by Will Bonner and a Haley layup stretched the lead to 61-55 but Giovanny Auspuro's 3-pointer kept the Toros within striking distance. Chico State's defense stiffened up, however, and the Wildcats made 4-of-6 free throws down the stretch to salt the game away.

The Wildcats finished the game with a huge advantage from the charity stripe despite connecting on just 20-of-32. Dominguez Hills made only 10-of-27 free throws.

Brian Faulstich, Bonner, and Chuck Webster joined Haley in double-figures with 11 points apiece. Faulstich chipped in six assists and had just one turnover. McCollum gave Chico State a huge boost of the bench with season highs of eight points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes of action.

Chico State hosts Cal State L.A. Saturday night at 8 p.m. Cal State Dominguez Hills travels to take on UC Davis.